US20180303265A1 - Package security device - Google Patents
Package security device Download PDFInfo
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- US20180303265A1 US20180303265A1 US15/956,349 US201815956349A US2018303265A1 US 20180303265 A1 US20180303265 A1 US 20180303265A1 US 201815956349 A US201815956349 A US 201815956349A US 2018303265 A1 US2018303265 A1 US 2018303265A1
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- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- package
- hatch
- opening
- top side
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
- A47G29/20—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles
- A47G29/22—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles having rotatable or reciprocable parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/12—Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxes; Openings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
- A47G29/1209—Rural letter-boxes
- A47G29/12095—Rural letter-boxes comprising a chute and a separate outlet door
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/12—Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxes; Openings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
- A47G29/122—Parts, details, or accessories, e.g. signalling devices, lamps, devices for leaving messages
- A47G29/124—Appliances to prevent unauthorised removal of contents
- A47G29/1248—Appliances to prevent unauthorised removal of contents comprising trap separation of the storage area
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to storage of parcels and, more particularly, to devices for securing delivered packages.
- Irwin discloses a parcel collection device structured to receive and secure packages in a package container in a manner similar to parcel drop boxes used by most parcel couriers. Packages are inserted into a parcel drop, which is structured to rotate about a horizontal axis using a variety of weights, levers, and other components. Upon rotating the parcel drop, any package therein apparently drops into the package container, which can be locked to prevent unauthorized access. While this and other solutions may prevent the theft of some packages, improved and/or alternative strategies for securing packages left at residences remain desirable.
- a device for receiving packages includes a body having a top side that has a package hatch movable to open or close a package opening, a storage chamber having a chamber opening, and a receiving conduit extending between the storage chamber and the package opening, with the storage chamber and the receiving conduit each being partially formed by the top side.
- the device further includes a chamber hatch coupled with the top side that blocks the chamber opening, and a downward sloping chute that forms a floor of the receiving conduit for conveying packages to the storage chamber under the force of gravity.
- a bench for receiving packages in another aspect, includes a body having a receiving conduit, a storage chamber that includes a first chamber opening and a second chamber opening, and a plurality of sides, including a top side.
- the bench also includes a package hatch movable between an open position and a closed position blocking a package opening, and a downward sloping chute forming a floor of the receiving conduit, the receiving conduit extending between the package opening and the second chamber opening.
- the bench includes a first chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the first chamber opening, and a second chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking a line of sight between the package opening and the storage chamber.
- a device for securing package deliveries includes a body having a plurality of sides arranged in a box configuration, the plurality of sides including a top side, a storage chamber having a first chamber opening formed in the top side and a second chamber opening, a first chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position for blocking the first chamber opening, and a second chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the second chamber opening.
- the device also includes a receiving conduit extending between the second chamber opening and a package opening formed in the top side, a package hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the package opening, and a downward sloping chute partially forming a floor of the receiving conduit to facilitate conveying packages from the receiving conduit to the storage chamber.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned diagrammatic view of a package hatch of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned diagrammatic view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned diagrammatic view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment.
- Device 10 includes a body 12 formed of a plurality of sides, including a top side 14 , a bottom side 16 , a front side 18 , a back side 20 , a right side 22 , and a left side 24 .
- the terms “top” and “bottom,” “right” and “left,” and “front” and “back” are used herein in a relative sense, each in relation to each other when viewing device 10 , and should not necessarily be taken to mean that device 10 has a particular orientation.
- the plurality of sides 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 generally are arranged in a box configuration, with a storage chamber 30 and a receiving conduit 28 being formed therein.
- Top side 14 includes a package hatch 32 pivotally coupled thereto, and movable between an open position ( FIG. 1 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 2 ). In the open position, package hatch 32 at least partially forms a package opening 38 sized and shaped to receive delivered packages.
- Top side 14 may also include a first chamber opening 70 for accessing storage chamber 30 , and a first chamber hatch 34 coupled with top side 14 in a manner that permits first chamber hatch 34 to be movable between an open position ( FIG. 1 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 2 ) that blocks first chamber opening 70 .
- first chamber opening 70 and first chamber hatch 34 might be positioned at another location on body 12 .
- Device 10 includes a lock 36 to engage first chamber hatch 34 in a manner that can restrict access to first chamber opening 70 so as to prevent unauthorized access to storage chamber 30 .
- lock 36 may interact with first chamber hatch 34 such that first chamber hatch 34 is not freely movable between the open and closed positions.
- Device 10 typically includes only a single lock 36 , meaning device 10 has no more than one lock 36 . As such, access to receiving conduit 28 via package opening 38 , and access to storage chamber 30 via second chamber opening 56 is typically unrestricted for all users, although a degree to which package hatch 32 may be opened might be limited by a slide assembly 40 or other analogous mechanism.
- hatches 32 or 54 may also be engaged by a lock 36 to restrict access to openings 38 or 56 , respectively.
- Lock 36 includes a key actuated tumbler locking mechanism, though in other embodiments lock 36 may engage access hatch 34 through use of any other suitable mechanical or non-mechanical locking mechanism, and may be activated or deactivated through use of a keypad, dial, fingerprint, wireless signal, or any other authentication method or device.
- lock 36 may include a latch structured to receive a padlock or other suitable type of lock.
- device 10 may be disguised to have the appearance of—and may perhaps even be functional as—ordinary furniture to prevent drawing the attention of package thieves.
- Device 10 might therefore include features that may limit the opportunity for thieves to discover or gain possession of delivered packages.
- device 10 may be structured to have the appearance of a bench and include a back piece 26 positioned at least partially above and oriented substantially parallel to top side 14 . In this way, device 10 may not appear out of place on a user's porch, deck, patio, or the like.
- device 10 may be structured to have the appearance of a couch, chair, loveseat, swing, planter, or any other piece of other furniture or other object, and therefore might include other features such as arm rests, cushions, or legs.
- Device 10 can also be configured to have a variety of different aesthetic profiles such that device 10 can match different color pallets, decorations, pieces of furniture, or the like.
- First chamber hatch 34 and package hatch 32 are coupled with top side 14 by a first chamber hinge 35 and a package hinge 37 , respectively.
- Hinges 35 , 37 could be, for example, butt hinges, T-hinges, or any other suitable type of hinges.
- Package hinge 37 and first chamber hinge 35 define axes of rotation for package hatch 32 and first chamber hatch 34 , respectively.
- Package hatch 32 may also include side guards 33 defining a lateral dimension (i.e., a width) of package opening 38 when package hatch 32 is in the open position.
- Side guards 33 can be positioned on opposite sides and extend downward from package hatch 32 , and may include or be coupled with a mechanism that can limit a range of motion of package hatch 32 around the axis of rotation defined by package hinge 37 .
- an exemplary embodiment may include slide assembly 40 , which may be structured to limit counterclockwise movement of package hatch 32 around package hinge 37 , thereby limiting a vertical dimension 42 of package opening 38 , which includes a height (hereinafter “height 42 ”).
- Slide assembly 40 may include a slide track 44 defining a slide path 46 , and a pin 48 , with slide track 44 being attached to body 12 and pin 48 being attached to side guard 33 , for instance. Opening package hatch 32 may thus result in pin 48 sliding upward within slide path 46 until reaching a slide stop 49 , which is structured to halt the upward movement of pin 48 and, therefore, of package hatch 32 .
- package hatch 32 may not include side guards 33 , or device 10 might be structured to limit height 42 by other means, such as using a chain, piston, or actuator. In still other embodiments, height 42 might not be limited at all. In a practical implementation strategy, package hatch 32 and slide assembly 40 may be structured to fix a maximum height 42 of package opening 38 that corresponds with a maximum dimension of packages typically received by device 10 or that might otherwise be expected to be received by device 10 . While packages come in a virtually unlimited number of dimensional configurations, it has been observed that many of the most popular retailers and courier services typically choose from a limited number of predefined package sizes when packaging and shipping goods.
- height 42 or any other dimension of package opening 38 might be limited in a manner that allows package opening 38 to accommodate these common package shapes and sizes.
- height 42 might be limited to about 10 inches
- a width of package opening 38 between side guards 33 might be limited to about 20 inches.
- one or more dimensions of other components of device 10 may also be selected or structured to correspond with a dimension of packages expected to be received by device 10 . It will be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, device 10 might be structured to receive different, less commonly sized or shaped packages, or a wider or narrower range of package sizes.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 partially sectioned views of device 10 are shown with hatches 32 , 34 in the open and closed positions, respectively.
- Package opening 38 opens to receiving conduit 28 , which is structured to receive packages deposited in device 10 .
- Receiving conduit 28 has a floor 51 formed by a downwardly sloping chute (“chute”) 52 , and is typically also defined in part by package hatch 32 and body 12 .
- Receiving conduit 28 extends between package opening 38 and a second chamber opening 56 that is formed at least in part by an edge 60 of chute 52 . Second chamber opening 56 provides access to storage chamber 30 . In this way, receiving conduit 28 opens into storage chamber 30 to allow for depositing of packages therein.
- Chute 52 is substantially planar and is angled toward storage chamber 30 to facilitate gravity feeding of packages towards storage chamber 30 , although, in some embodiments, chute 52 might be contoured or have a different structure, or might include other structures or features to facilitate the conveying of packages from receiving conduit 28 to storage chamber 30 .
- chute 52 may have a coating or surface that limits frictional forces opposing sliding, or may include a conveyor of any suitable type.
- Receiving conduit 28 has a depth dimension 66 defined as a minimum distance between package opening 38 and edge 60 . Depth dimension 66 may be understood as the minimum distance a thief would have to reach if attempting to access a package located within storage chamber 30 .
- chute 52 is sized and positioned within body 12 such that depth dimension 66 is not less than the average adult's arm length from armpit to wrist, which is believed to be approximately 19 inches. As such, depth dimension 66 might be about 19 inches or greater. In other embodiments, depth dimension may be longer if, for instance, it would be desirable to make device 10 more secure, or could be shorter if, for instance, a smaller form factor for device 10 is desirable.
- Device 10 includes a second chamber hatch 54 pivotally coupled with top side 14 in a manner that allows second chamber hatch 54 to be freely movable between an open position and a closed position that blocks second chamber opening 56 .
- Second chamber hatch 54 may be coupled with top side 14 by a second chamber hinge 62 that defines an axis of rotation of second chamber hatch 54 .
- Hinges 37 , 62 may be substantially parallel and each structured such that package hatch 32 and second chamber hatch 54 open in opposite directions.
- Second chamber hatch 54 may be drawn by the force of gravity towards edge 60 and may come to a rest thereon in the closed position, although second chamber hatch 54 might come to rest on a stopper, padding, or analogous structure in some embodiments.
- second chamber hatch 54 in the closed position, second chamber hatch 54 is typically in contact with chute 52 or a structured attached to chute 52 .
- coupling second chamber hatch 54 with top side 14 may include attaching second chamber hinge 62 to a block or other structure that is then attached to top side 14 .
- the open position of second chamber hatch 54 may therefore include pivoting second chamber hatch 54 into storage chamber 30 , although second chamber hatch 54 might also be able to swing in to receiving conduit 28 in some embodiments.
- Second chamber hatch 54 can be formed of any rigid or semi-rigid material or combination of materials and is typically opaque so as to obstruct a line of sight between package opening 38 and storage chamber 30 .
- Second chamber hinge 62 may be structured to allow second chamber hatch 54 to open in response to application of only minimal force such that packages passing through receiving conduit 28 and engaging second chamber hatch 54 can pass into storage chamber 30 relatively easily. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to require a greater application of force to open second chamber hatch 54 , however. In still other embodiments, second chamber hatch 54 and second chamber hinge 62 could function, in whole or in part, through operation of additional structures or forces.
- second chamber hatch 54 may be hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, magnetically, or mechanically actuated in response to data indicative of a package being received by receiving conduit 28 or indicative of a package engaging second chamber hatch 54 , or second chamber hatch 54 may include springs, weights, or any other suitable mechanism.
- Second chamber opening 56 may be structured to correspond with the structure of package opening 38 such that packages deposited into receiving conduit 28 can pass into storage chamber 30 .
- second chamber opening 56 may have a height that is substantially equal to or greater than height 42 . In this way, packages deposited into package opening 38 are likely to fit through second chamber opening 56 as well.
- the structure of openings 38 , 56 , chute 52 , and hinges 37 , 62 may also allow device 10 to receive packages having a length, width, height, or other dimension greater than depth dimension 66 , as any such package could be jointly received by package opening 38 , receiving conduit 28 , and second chamber opening 56 .
- the size of packages device 10 may be capable of receiving is not necessarily limited by the size of receiving conduit 28 .
- Chute 52 can be positioned within device 10 such that a vertical distance 58 between edge 60 and a floor 59 of storage chamber 30 corresponds with height 42 such that packages deposited in storage chamber 30 might not interfere with the movement of second chamber hatch 54 .
- vertical distance 58 may be greater than a typical height of delivered packages. It will be appreciated that the relative dimensions of height 42 and vertical distance 58 may also function to limit the distance that packages might fall within device 10 .
- storage chamber 30 is entirely enclosed within body 12 , and accessible only through first and second chamber openings 70 , 56 . Further, storage chamber 30 is positioned substantially lateral to receiving conduit 28 such that packages can be passed through body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction from package opening 38 to storage chamber 30 .
- Storage chamber 30 has a chamber length 64 between edge 60 and left side 24 , which may correspond with a maximum expected dimension of packages such that storage chamber 30 can receive packages having a length, width, height, or other dimension equal to or less than the maximum expected dimension. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, chamber length 64 may be about 48 inches or greater.
- chamber length 64 may be selected to correspond with any other dimension or may be selected in consideration of any other desired characteristic or parameter.
- some embodiments of device 10 may be structured to fit in a confined space, in which case it may be desirable for device to have a chamber length 64 that is less than an expected or potential maximum package dimension.
- a courier or other party can open package hatch 32 and insert the package therein.
- the package is then received by receiving conduit 28 , and may be drawn under the force of gravity towards second chamber opening 56 by, for example, sliding down chute 52 , although the courier could also push the package down chute 52 towards or into storage chamber 30 .
- the package can engage second chamber hatch 54 , which is structured to open in the direction of storage chamber 30 , thereby permitting the package to slide into storage chamber 30 where it may come to rest on floor 59 or perhaps on another package.
- Second chamber hatch 54 can then be drawn under the force of gravity back to the closed position, thereby blocking a line of sight into storage chamber 30 .
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/487,322 titled “PACKAGE SECURITY DEVICE,” to Christopher Hearne, filed Apr. 19, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates generally to storage of parcels and, more particularly, to devices for securing delivered packages.
- E-commerce has steadily grown in recent years, accounting for over 8% of all retail sales in 2016 with projections indicating this trend will continue to accelerate in the years to come. This increase has seen a corresponding rise in retailers' use of parcel delivery services such as the United States Post Office, UPS, FedEx, and others to deliver goods to their customers. Unfortunately, incidences of package theft have also seen sharp increases that correspond with the growing prevalence of online shopping and the delivery infrastructure supporting it. Studies indicate that around 11 million homes are victimized by so-called “package pirates” every year. Package theft is frequently described as a crime of opportunity. Packages are often left unattended by couriers and in plain view of passersby, thereby providing the opportunity for potential thieves to spot and intercept the delivery. There is rarely a substantial risk in investigating or taking unattended packages, and the reward can be quite lucrative. In many instances, packages are left at customers' residences while they are at work, school, or even on vacation, leaving the delivered package unattended for extended periods of time. With nearly three quarters of reported package thefts occurring when the victim was not home, securing unattended packages is an important package theft prevention strategy. As e-commerce is primed to continue to grow in popularity for the foreseeable future, effective, cost efficient, and aesthetically pleasing strategies for securing unattended packages will become increasingly important.
- One such strategy is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,980 to Irwin et al. (“Irwin”). Irwin discloses a parcel collection device structured to receive and secure packages in a package container in a manner similar to parcel drop boxes used by most parcel couriers. Packages are inserted into a parcel drop, which is structured to rotate about a horizontal axis using a variety of weights, levers, and other components. Upon rotating the parcel drop, any package therein apparently drops into the package container, which can be locked to prevent unauthorized access. While this and other solutions may prevent the theft of some packages, improved and/or alternative strategies for securing packages left at residences remain desirable.
- In one aspect, a device for receiving packages includes a body having a top side that has a package hatch movable to open or close a package opening, a storage chamber having a chamber opening, and a receiving conduit extending between the storage chamber and the package opening, with the storage chamber and the receiving conduit each being partially formed by the top side. The device further includes a chamber hatch coupled with the top side that blocks the chamber opening, and a downward sloping chute that forms a floor of the receiving conduit for conveying packages to the storage chamber under the force of gravity.
- In another aspect, a bench for receiving packages includes a body having a receiving conduit, a storage chamber that includes a first chamber opening and a second chamber opening, and a plurality of sides, including a top side. The bench also includes a package hatch movable between an open position and a closed position blocking a package opening, and a downward sloping chute forming a floor of the receiving conduit, the receiving conduit extending between the package opening and the second chamber opening. Finally, the bench includes a first chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the first chamber opening, and a second chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking a line of sight between the package opening and the storage chamber.
- In still another aspect, a device for securing package deliveries includes a body having a plurality of sides arranged in a box configuration, the plurality of sides including a top side, a storage chamber having a first chamber opening formed in the top side and a second chamber opening, a first chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position for blocking the first chamber opening, and a second chamber hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the second chamber opening. The device also includes a receiving conduit extending between the second chamber opening and a package opening formed in the top side, a package hatch coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the package opening, and a downward sloping chute partially forming a floor of the receiving conduit to facilitate conveying packages from the receiving conduit to the storage chamber.
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FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned diagrammatic view of a package hatch of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned diagrammatic view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment; and -
FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned diagrammatic view of a device for receiving packages, according to one embodiment. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective views of a device for receiving packages (“device”) 10, which includes a bench, are shown.Device 10 includes abody 12 formed of a plurality of sides, including atop side 14, abottom side 16, afront side 18, aback side 20, aright side 22, and aleft side 24. The terms “top” and “bottom,” “right” and “left,” and “front” and “back” are used herein in a relative sense, each in relation to each other when viewingdevice 10, and should not necessarily be taken to mean thatdevice 10 has a particular orientation. The plurality ofsides storage chamber 30 and a receivingconduit 28 being formed therein.Top side 14 includes apackage hatch 32 pivotally coupled thereto, and movable between an open position (FIG. 1 ) and a closed position (FIG. 2 ). In the open position, package hatch 32 at least partially forms a package opening 38 sized and shaped to receive delivered packages.Top side 14 may also include a first chamber opening 70 for accessingstorage chamber 30, and afirst chamber hatch 34 coupled withtop side 14 in a manner that permitsfirst chamber hatch 34 to be movable between an open position (FIG. 1 ) and a closed position (FIG. 2 ) that blocks first chamber opening 70. In other embodiments, first chamber opening 70 andfirst chamber hatch 34 might be positioned at another location onbody 12. -
Device 10 includes alock 36 to engagefirst chamber hatch 34 in a manner that can restrict access to first chamber opening 70 so as to prevent unauthorized access tostorage chamber 30. In other words,lock 36 may interact withfirst chamber hatch 34 such thatfirst chamber hatch 34 is not freely movable between the open and closed positions.Device 10 typically includes only asingle lock 36, meaningdevice 10 has no more than onelock 36. As such, access to receivingconduit 28 via package opening 38, and access tostorage chamber 30 via second chamber opening 56 is typically unrestricted for all users, although a degree to whichpackage hatch 32 may be opened might be limited by aslide assembly 40 or other analogous mechanism. In some embodiments, however,hatches lock 36 to restrict access toopenings 38 or 56, respectively.Lock 36 includes a key actuated tumbler locking mechanism, though inother embodiments lock 36 may engageaccess hatch 34 through use of any other suitable mechanical or non-mechanical locking mechanism, and may be activated or deactivated through use of a keypad, dial, fingerprint, wireless signal, or any other authentication method or device. In still other embodiments,lock 36 may include a latch structured to receive a padlock or other suitable type of lock. - It has been observed that, as package theft is often a crime of opportunity, strategies that limit that opportunity may be effective in deterring such forms of theft. As such,
device 10 may be disguised to have the appearance of—and may perhaps even be functional as—ordinary furniture to prevent drawing the attention of package thieves.Device 10 might therefore include features that may limit the opportunity for thieves to discover or gain possession of delivered packages. For example,device 10 may be structured to have the appearance of a bench and include aback piece 26 positioned at least partially above and oriented substantially parallel totop side 14. In this way,device 10 may not appear out of place on a user's porch, deck, patio, or the like. In other embodiments,device 10 may be structured to have the appearance of a couch, chair, loveseat, swing, planter, or any other piece of other furniture or other object, and therefore might include other features such as arm rests, cushions, or legs.Device 10 can also be configured to have a variety of different aesthetic profiles such thatdevice 10 can match different color pallets, decorations, pieces of furniture, or the like. -
First chamber hatch 34 andpackage hatch 32 are coupled withtop side 14 by afirst chamber hinge 35 and apackage hinge 37, respectively.Hinges Package hinge 37 andfirst chamber hinge 35 define axes of rotation forpackage hatch 32 andfirst chamber hatch 34, respectively.Package hatch 32 may also includeside guards 33 defining a lateral dimension (i.e., a width) of package opening 38 whenpackage hatch 32 is in the open position.Side guards 33 can be positioned on opposite sides and extend downward frompackage hatch 32, and may include or be coupled with a mechanism that can limit a range of motion ofpackage hatch 32 around the axis of rotation defined bypackage hinge 37. For instance, referring now also toFIG. 3 , an exemplary embodiment may includeslide assembly 40, which may be structured to limit counterclockwise movement ofpackage hatch 32 aroundpackage hinge 37, thereby limiting avertical dimension 42 of package opening 38, which includes a height (hereinafter “height 42”).Slide assembly 40 may include aslide track 44 defining aslide path 46, and a pin 48, withslide track 44 being attached tobody 12 and pin 48 being attached toside guard 33, for instance. Openingpackage hatch 32 may thus result in pin 48 sliding upward withinslide path 46 until reaching aslide stop 49, which is structured to halt the upward movement of pin 48 and, therefore, ofpackage hatch 32. In some embodiments,package hatch 32 may not includeside guards 33, ordevice 10 might be structured to limitheight 42 by other means, such as using a chain, piston, or actuator. In still other embodiments,height 42 might not be limited at all. In a practical implementation strategy, packagehatch 32 andslide assembly 40 may be structured to fix amaximum height 42 of package opening 38 that corresponds with a maximum dimension of packages typically received bydevice 10 or that might otherwise be expected to be received bydevice 10. While packages come in a virtually unlimited number of dimensional configurations, it has been observed that many of the most popular retailers and courier services typically choose from a limited number of predefined package sizes when packaging and shipping goods. As such,height 42 or any other dimension of package opening 38 (e.g., a width) might be limited in a manner that allows package opening 38 to accommodate these common package shapes and sizes. By way of example,height 42 might be limited to about 10 inches, and a width of package opening 38 betweenside guards 33 might be limited to about 20 inches. As will be apparent from the discussion herein, one or more dimensions of other components ofdevice 10 may also be selected or structured to correspond with a dimension of packages expected to be received bydevice 10. It will be appreciated that, in certain embodiments,device 10 might be structured to receive different, less commonly sized or shaped packages, or a wider or narrower range of package sizes. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , partially sectioned views ofdevice 10 are shown withhatches Package opening 38 opens to receivingconduit 28, which is structured to receive packages deposited indevice 10. Receivingconduit 28 has afloor 51 formed by a downwardly sloping chute (“chute”) 52, and is typically also defined in part bypackage hatch 32 andbody 12. Receivingconduit 28 extends between package opening 38 and a second chamber opening 56 that is formed at least in part by anedge 60 ofchute 52. Second chamber opening 56 provides access tostorage chamber 30. In this way, receivingconduit 28 opens intostorage chamber 30 to allow for depositing of packages therein.Chute 52 is substantially planar and is angled towardstorage chamber 30 to facilitate gravity feeding of packages towardsstorage chamber 30, although, in some embodiments,chute 52 might be contoured or have a different structure, or might include other structures or features to facilitate the conveying of packages from receivingconduit 28 tostorage chamber 30. For example,chute 52 may have a coating or surface that limits frictional forces opposing sliding, or may include a conveyor of any suitable type. Receivingconduit 28 has adepth dimension 66 defined as a minimum distance between package opening 38 andedge 60.Depth dimension 66 may be understood as the minimum distance a thief would have to reach if attempting to access a package located withinstorage chamber 30. In a practical implementation strategy,chute 52 is sized and positioned withinbody 12 such thatdepth dimension 66 is not less than the average adult's arm length from armpit to wrist, which is believed to be approximately 19 inches. As such,depth dimension 66 might be about 19 inches or greater. In other embodiments, depth dimension may be longer if, for instance, it would be desirable to makedevice 10 more secure, or could be shorter if, for instance, a smaller form factor fordevice 10 is desirable. -
Device 10 includes asecond chamber hatch 54 pivotally coupled withtop side 14 in a manner that allowssecond chamber hatch 54 to be freely movable between an open position and a closed position that blocks second chamber opening 56.Second chamber hatch 54 may be coupled withtop side 14 by asecond chamber hinge 62 that defines an axis of rotation ofsecond chamber hatch 54. Hinges 37, 62 may be substantially parallel and each structured such thatpackage hatch 32 andsecond chamber hatch 54 open in opposite directions.Second chamber hatch 54 may be drawn by the force of gravity towardsedge 60 and may come to a rest thereon in the closed position, althoughsecond chamber hatch 54 might come to rest on a stopper, padding, or analogous structure in some embodiments. In other words, in the closed position,second chamber hatch 54 is typically in contact withchute 52 or a structured attached tochute 52. As can be seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 , couplingsecond chamber hatch 54 withtop side 14 may include attachingsecond chamber hinge 62 to a block or other structure that is then attached totop side 14. The open position ofsecond chamber hatch 54 may therefore include pivotingsecond chamber hatch 54 intostorage chamber 30, althoughsecond chamber hatch 54 might also be able to swing in to receivingconduit 28 in some embodiments. -
Second chamber hatch 54 can be formed of any rigid or semi-rigid material or combination of materials and is typically opaque so as to obstruct a line of sight between package opening 38 andstorage chamber 30.Second chamber hinge 62 may be structured to allowsecond chamber hatch 54 to open in response to application of only minimal force such that packages passing through receivingconduit 28 and engagingsecond chamber hatch 54 can pass intostorage chamber 30 relatively easily. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to require a greater application of force to opensecond chamber hatch 54, however. In still other embodiments,second chamber hatch 54 andsecond chamber hinge 62 could function, in whole or in part, through operation of additional structures or forces. For instance,second chamber hatch 54 may be hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, magnetically, or mechanically actuated in response to data indicative of a package being received by receivingconduit 28 or indicative of a package engagingsecond chamber hatch 54, orsecond chamber hatch 54 may include springs, weights, or any other suitable mechanism. - Second chamber opening 56 may be structured to correspond with the structure of package opening 38 such that packages deposited into receiving
conduit 28 can pass intostorage chamber 30. For example, second chamber opening 56 may have a height that is substantially equal to or greater thanheight 42. In this way, packages deposited into package opening 38 are likely to fit through second chamber opening 56 as well. Further, it will be appreciated that the structure ofopenings 38, 56,chute 52, and hinges 37, 62 may also allowdevice 10 to receive packages having a length, width, height, or other dimension greater thandepth dimension 66, as any such package could be jointly received by package opening 38, receivingconduit 28, and second chamber opening 56. Put differently, the size ofpackages device 10 may be capable of receiving is not necessarily limited by the size of receivingconduit 28. -
Chute 52 can be positioned withindevice 10 such that avertical distance 58 betweenedge 60 and afloor 59 ofstorage chamber 30 corresponds withheight 42 such that packages deposited instorage chamber 30 might not interfere with the movement ofsecond chamber hatch 54. In other words,vertical distance 58 may be greater than a typical height of delivered packages. It will be appreciated that the relative dimensions ofheight 42 andvertical distance 58 may also function to limit the distance that packages might fall withindevice 10. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-5 generally, it can be seen thatstorage chamber 30 is entirely enclosed withinbody 12, and accessible only through first andsecond chamber openings 70, 56. Further,storage chamber 30 is positioned substantially lateral to receivingconduit 28 such that packages can be passed throughbody 12 in a substantially horizontal direction from package opening 38 tostorage chamber 30.Storage chamber 30 has achamber length 64 betweenedge 60 and leftside 24, which may correspond with a maximum expected dimension of packages such thatstorage chamber 30 can receive packages having a length, width, height, or other dimension equal to or less than the maximum expected dimension. For example, in an exemplary embodiment,chamber length 64 may be about 48 inches or greater. In other embodiments,chamber length 64 may be selected to correspond with any other dimension or may be selected in consideration of any other desired characteristic or parameter. For example, some embodiments ofdevice 10 may be structured to fit in a confined space, in which case it may be desirable for device to have achamber length 64 that is less than an expected or potential maximum package dimension. - To secure a package within
device 10, a courier or other party can openpackage hatch 32 and insert the package therein. The package is then received by receivingconduit 28, and may be drawn under the force of gravity towards second chamber opening 56 by, for example, sliding downchute 52, although the courier could also push the package downchute 52 towards or intostorage chamber 30. At second chamber opening 56, the package can engagesecond chamber hatch 54, which is structured to open in the direction ofstorage chamber 30, thereby permitting the package to slide intostorage chamber 30 where it may come to rest onfloor 59 or perhaps on another package.Second chamber hatch 54 can then be drawn under the force of gravity back to the closed position, thereby blocking a line of sight intostorage chamber 30. - The present description is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and fair scope and spirit of the present disclosure. As noted above, the teachings set forth herein are applicable to a variety of different devices having a variety of different structures than those specifically described herein. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawings and appended claims. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms.
Claims (20)
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US15/956,349 US10383472B2 (en) | 2017-04-19 | 2018-04-18 | Package security device |
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US201762487322P | 2017-04-19 | 2017-04-19 | |
US15/956,349 US10383472B2 (en) | 2017-04-19 | 2018-04-18 | Package security device |
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US10383472B2 US10383472B2 (en) | 2019-08-20 |
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